New developments of biomedical porous titanium alloys prepared by spark plasma sintering

Characterized by exceptionally high heating rate, low sintering temperature, and remarkable process flexibility, spark plasma sintering (SPS) is an efficient near-net-shape powder metallurgy technology that is highly suitable for manufacturing porous titanium alloys intended for biomedical implants. This review comprehensively outlines the fundamental requirements of pore structure and mechanical properties for biomedical implant materials, and elaborates on the principles and advantages of SPS for preparing porous titanium biomaterials. The methods for fabricating porous titanium alloys by SPS are critically discussed. Furthermore, the key process parameters and the performance of SPS-prepared porous titanium and its alloys are summarized. Finally, this review delineates the prevailing challenges and future research orientations for SPS-fabricated biomedical porous titanium alloy implant materials.